Pacific Games Council

The Council says the sacking of the head of the local organising committee by a government Authority doesn't stand because it contravenes the 2019 Games hosting agreement.

However the government said Tonga and its people is the recipient of the Games and it will be the government's decisions that ultimately implement the event.

The Deputy Secretary 'Eti Teumohenga said the Council has been out of line with its communications with the Prime Minister.

Last week the Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying the Audit and Governance Authority, chaired by 'Akilisi Pohiva, had sacked Lord Sevele as CEO and chair of the committee.

RNZI reports Lord Sevele and the Games Council said he remained in the position and the government didn't have the authority to make such changes.

RNZI reports Tonga's preparations have been plagued with administration and financing issues.

In December, the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva initially demanded Lord Sevele's resignation as chair of the 2019 Games' Organising Committee, over alleged failings and delays in preparation.

Preparations have been plagued with political in-fighting and financial issues.

Last week, the Pacific Games Council sent a letter to Tongan officials warning the event could be removed if Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was successful in removing Lord Sevele as chair of the organising committee.

The Council said neither the government nor the Prime Minister had the right to remove Lord Sevele without consulting the Council.

Fe'ao Vakata said he supported Lord Sevele and the committee and believes they are doing the best they can.

In particular, Lakhan welcomed the Leaders’ commitment to the “Sharing of knowledge, skills, preservation and promotion of our traditional and cultural values and sporting activities” as noted in paragraph 21c of the Hiri Declaration.

Lakhan said, “The Hiri Declaration recognises the excellent work of the region’s Sports Ministers which convened in Port Moresby on the eve of the highly successful 15th Pacific Games this past July in a Pacific Sports Ministers Meeting co-hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Games Council.  

PGC Executive Director Andrew Minogue says that part of their business plan is to provide benefits for athletes and their programmes.

“A number of sports are been used as qualification or ranking events at the games which from the Executive Board’s perspective is a very successful initiative.

Pacific Games Council (PGC) president Vidhya Lakhan told the local and international media today that the quality and standard of the Games Village is very good.

“The rooms are very comforting and the dining hall is exceptionally excellent.

 “All the Games venues including the village have far exceeded our expectations.’’

He said that despite the small issues like laundry and others, they are confident that the athletes will have a home away from home environment.

When addressing the local and international media today, Pacific Games Council (PGC) president Vidhya Lakhan congratulated the PNG Government for its efforts.

“After visiting all the venues this week, we were surprised with the amount of work compared to our last visit in getting the games venues ready.

“All venues are ready after being tested and trialled and there are no issues.

“They’re far better than in past Games so congratulations to the PNG Government,” he said.